HERRATIK: "Compromise Gone"

Although Compromise Gone is Herratik's second full-length, the history of the group dates back to the late nineties under the name Abortus. The time span of (at least) 13 years has shaped seemingly professional musicians firing rather melodic death / thrash here on their latest offering, and generally speaking they've got everything under control, but a major problem between this album and me emerges from the fact that this isn't the kind of metal that I like.

Sure, things are heavy here and I can imagine how this tight deathrash riffage appeals to goosebumps inducing levels to certain kind of people. The melodic introductory beginning of the album does not reveal the name of the game yet, but the follow-up ”Enough” works as a blueprint for the rest of the album: a savage and brutal feast on ass kicking evil riffs, mid-range screams and heavy, fast battering. There's also a prominent amount of melody in the form of occasional lead melodies or just usual metal solos. While melodies are very okay in this style, I think they become just way over the line as the cheesy 'epic' melody twirlings on ”Enough” after the solo tell. ”Bottom Feeder” continues after and I'm afraid this is another least favourite song of the album as it uncomfortably reminds me of Slipknot in all departments: the chugging palm muted riffs and repeated choruses with backing vocals are all there. Skip, please. ”Closed Book... Palm Muted” is the first time something differing happens in the form of ghostly, atonal piano melodies and samples in front of convulsing drumming, but soon after the first minute it turns into the very familiar scheme of uninspiring extreme metal.

Compromise Gone probably has its fanbase somewhere, but far away from the Vehement Conjuration territories. I'm not sure how to articulate this but I think there's something almost childish about this whole effort from the catchy riffs and choruses to the cartoonish cover art. No hard feelings towards anyone, but that is my general outview of Compromise Gone after multiple spins. Not enough authentic evilness nor darkness for my preferences of metal, but I know that is always up to the listener and those who take their metal a bit less seriously (not necessarily a negative thing) will discover more goodness from this record than me.

2 / 5